Politics

Overview
The PgDip Politics is a broad-based programme, offering students a good grounding in the discipline of political science. This Pg Dip gives students the opportunity to engage with core theories, concepts, issues and debates in politics. Students may tailor their programme to their own interests, by their choice of optional modules, from Irish politics and European politics to political theory and comparative politics, which build on the strengths of the school's research. The PgDip offers a unique perspective on multi-level politics in Europe, at the regional, national and European levels and on the policy issues of the time, including energy transitions and climate change, ethnic conflict, gender, and democratic legitimacy.

The aim of the PgDip in Politics is to deepen students' understanding of important contemporary issues in political studies through the enhancement of students' analytical skills, research and writing talent, and capacity for utilising theoretical approaches. These are all important transferrable skills, highly valued in the job market. The programme is of particular interest to those wishing to know more about Irish politics (North and South), European politics, territorial politics, political conflict, and political theory.

Belfast is a globally significant location and Politics is about conflict, debate and the contest of ideas, making Belfast, where such things are part of everyday reality, an ideal place to study the subject. Northern Ireland is viewed as a model of conflict resolution and peace building across the world.

Students can directly benefit from the School and University’s wider expertise in political theory, Irish and Northern Irish politics, gender and environmental politics, security studies, border studies, terrorism and political violence.

Year 1
Core Modules
• Comparative Territorial Politics (20 credits)
• Approaches To Research Design (20 credits)

Optional Modules
• Social Injustice (20 credits)
• The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions (20 credits)
• Global Ireland (20 credits)
• The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)
• The Politics of the Republic of Ireland (20 credits)
• Democratic Innovations (20 credits)
• Theories in Comparative Politics (20 credits)
• Gender and Politics (20 credits)
• Freedom and modernity (20 credits)
• Global Political Economy (20 credits)
• The UK and Europe (20 credits)
• Institutions and Politics of the European Union (20 credits)

Course Structure
Students take six taught modules, including two compulsory modules in the first semester, which introduce them to the core of the discipline and teach the skills necessary to conduct research. Each taught module is worth 20 credits.

Course Details
The programme has two different components: Core modules and Elective modules.

The programme provides students with a number of elective modules that will enable them to study a wide range of topics or specialise in Irish politics, political theory, European politics, or comparative politics, build on foundational knowledge, and develop focused expertise.

• Irish Politics modules: PAI7022 The Politics of the Republic of Ireland and PAI7021 The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland
• Political Theory modules: PAI7059 Freedom and Modernity & PHL7057 Social Injustice

• European Politics modules: PAI7099 The UK and Europe & PAI7052 Institutions and Policies of the EU

• Comparative Politics modules: PAI7032 Gender and Politics, PAI7038 Theories in Comparative Politics, PAI7050 Ethnic Conflict and Consensus, & PAI7100 Engaging Citizens in Democratic Institutions.

Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree (minimum 57%) or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject or a 2.2 Honours degree (minimum 57%) or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience.

Applicants who do not meet these entry requirements may, at the discretion of the relevant programme convenor, be considered for admission on the basis of relevant work experience and/or an assessed piece of work.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). For more information, please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 16th August 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Assessment and Feedback are continuous throughout the course of study.
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

Learning journals

Presentations

Examination

Portfolio projects

Continuous assessment

A mix of essays including policy briefs.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Teaching Times
Teaching takes place at a variety of times 9am – 8pm Monday to Friday.

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects
Introduction
All of the postgraduate programmes offered in the School provide our graduates with the skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the private, public and voluntary sectors. MA and PGDip Politics graduates are now working in careers with local, devolved and national government, policy analysis and advocacy for NGOs and charities. Many are also in the private sector working as lawyers, in the media and in management consultancy or public affairs.